Le lérot: trois études en une enquête

Learning material (2003)

Conservation biology of the French and Iberic threatened European mink, Mustela lutreola

Poster (2003)

Afrique de l'Ouest: commerce d'oiseaux pas comme les autres

Learning material (2003)

Mitochondrial phylogeography of the Woodmouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) in the Western Palearctic region.

in Molecular Ecology (2003), 12(3), 685-97

We sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the following ... [more ▼]

We sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the following questions. (i) Did the Mediterranean peninsulas play a role as refuge for woodmice? (ii) Is genetic variability of A. sylvaticus higher in the Mediterranean region compared with northern Europe? (iii) Are the patterns of the postglacial colonization of Europe by woodmice similar to those presently recognized for other European species? The results provide a clear picture of the impact of the Quaternary glaciations on the genetic and geographical structure of the woodmouse. Our analyses indicate a higher genetic variability of woodmice in the Mediterranean peninsulas compared to northern Europe, suggesting a role of the former as refuge regions for this small mammal. An original pattern of postglacial colonization is proposed where the Iberian and southern France refuge populations colonized almost all European regions. The Sicilian population appears to be very differentiated and highly variable. This emphasizes the importance of this island as a 'hot spot' for the intraspecific genetic diversity of the woodmouse. Finally, woodmice in North Africa originated from southwestern Europe, most probably as a result of a recent anthropogenic introduction. [less ▲]

Phylogéographie mitochondriale du mulot sylvestre (Apodemus sylvaticus) dans la région paléarctique occidentale

in Biosystema, Systématique et biogéographie (2002), 20

We have sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) samples collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the ... [more ▼]

We have sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) samples collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the following questions: i) Did the Mediterranean peninsulas play a role as a refuge for small mammals? ii) Is the genetic variability of a small mammal like A. sylvaticus higher in the Mediterranean regions as compared with northern Europe? iii)Is it possible to find patterns of postglacial colonisation of Europe other than those presently recognised ? Sequence data were analysed using Distance and Maximum Parsimony phylogenetic reconstruction methods. A minimum spanning network was also calculated. Population genetic structure was determined by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). A "mismatch distribution" analysis was also performed to estimate the patterns of expansion. The results provide a clear picture of the impact of Quaternary glaciations on the genetic and geographic structure of the woodmouse. Analyses indicate a higher genetic variability for the woodmouse in the Mediterranean peninsulas as compared to northern Europe and the role of these peninsulas as refuge regions for small mammals. A new pattern of postglacial colonisation is also proposed where the Iberian and southern France refuge populations colonised almost all the European regions. The Sicilian population appears to be highly differentiated and highly variable. This result emphasises the importance of this island as a "hot spot" for the intraspecific genetic diversity of the woodmouse. Finally, populations of this species in North Africa originated from south-western Europe and are probably the result of a recent anthropogenic introduction. [less ▲]

Diversité génétique: du diagnostic à la conservation. Le cas du vison d'Europe

in Annales de la Société des Sciences Naturelles de la Charente-Maritime (2002), 9(2), 219-223

Impact assessment of breeding European kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) on prey fish

in Cowx, Ian (Ed.) Interaction between fish and birds: implications for management (abstracts) (2001, April)

Des escargots et des champignons à la rescousse du développement durable

in Parcs & Réserves (2001), 56(4), 46-49

The karyotype of the Formentera island garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus ophiusae

in Belgian Journal of Zoology (2001), 131(1), 83-85

Le martin-pêcheur (Alcedo atthis) va-t-il bientôt manquer de sites de nidification ?

in Aves (2001), 38(4), 161-178

In south-west Belgium, the breeding of the kingfisher was monitored for more than 10 years. During this period, 158 banks were regularly surveyed. Alterations or potential threats were identified: natural ... [more ▼]

In south-west Belgium, the breeding of the kingfisher was monitored for more than 10 years. During this period, 158 banks were regularly surveyed. Alterations or potential threats were identified: natural erosion, cattle trampling, disturbance from kayak-riders or anglers and, last but not least, consolidation works. Only 56 banks (35.4 %) can de considered as "safe". However, since the recent (2001) legal restrictions about the navigation on small rivers, 12 more banks are now safe too. Cattle trampling appears as the main threat (55 sites). However, the enforcement of the law regulating the fences along the rivers could easily solve the problem. Nineteen banks were completely destroyed for different purposes: navigation, road retaining walls or simply anti-erosive measures. Most of these works were undertaken along the river Meuse, the best nidification habitat of the area. (11 photos) [less ▲]